March 18

Born in 1590 in Alcácer do Sal, he later settled in Madrid as a scholar. His major work, Asia Portuguesa, detailed the history of Portuguese exploration in Asia. He wrote poetry in Portuguese and Spanish, blending classical and Iberian styles. Faria e Sousa’s meticulous research set new standards for early modern historiography. He died in 1649, leaving a rich legacy of historical and literary works.

Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne, better known as Madame de La Fayette, was born into the aristocratic La Vergne family in 1634. She served at the court of Louis XIV, where her literary talents flourished amidst salon culture. In 1678 she anonymously published La Princesse de Clèves, a pioneering work that delved into the inner lives and moral conflicts of its characters. The novel is celebrated for its elegant prose and in-depth psychological insight, marking a milestone in French literature. Madame de La Fayette also wrote shorter works like La Princesse de Montpensier and L'Histoire de la cour de France. Her letters and memoirs provide valuable perspectives on the court life of the 17th century.

Christoph Friedrich Nicolai was a central figure in the German Enlightenment, born in Berlin in 1733. He co-founded the influential literary periodical Allgemeine Deutsche Bibliothek, through which he promoted rational critique and opposed romantic excess. Nicolai authored satires, novels, and critical essays, championing clarity of thought and empirical reasoning. His notable works include Betrachtungen über die Wohlfeilheit der Literatur and his criticism of Goethe's Werther phenomenon. As a bookseller and publisher, he helped shape literary tastes in late 18th-century Germany. Nicolai’s commitment to Enlightenment ideals solidified his reputation as a leading intellectual of his time.

Charlotte Elliott was an English poet, hymn writer, and editor born in 1789. Despite chronic illness and periods of invalidity, she composed enduring hymns that resonated with Victorian spirituality. Her most famous work, 'Just As I Am,' published in 1836, became a staple in Christian hymnals worldwide. Elliott also compiled and edited collections like Hora Lyra, influencing religious music and devotion in the 19th century. She worked to support charitable causes and encouraged spiritual reflection through her writings. Elliott’s hymns remain popular in churches and have been translated into multiple languages.

Born in Wesselburen, Germany, in 1813, Hebbel overcame humble origins to study law and literature. His early works, including 'Genoveva' and 'Maria Magdalena', challenged classical conventions with psychological depth. He gained acclaim for tragedies like 'Judith' which explored individual morality and social constraints. Hebbel's blending of poetic language and realistic characters influenced later 19th-century drama. He is remembered as a central figure in the German Romantic and Realist literary movements.

Born in Tickhill, Yorkshire, in 1840, Monkhouse studied at University College London and Oxford. He published several poetry collections, including 'Lyrics of Many Days' and 'Later Poems'. As an art critic, he wrote for publications like the Athenaeum and the Monthly Review. His book 'Modern Painting' was a seminal work in Victorian art criticism. Monkhouse's writings combined poetic sensibility with scholarly analysis of artistic trends. He influenced public appreciation of art and literature in late 19th-century England.

Stéphane Mallarmé was a leading figure in the French Symbolist movement, known for his innovative and often enigmatic poetry. Born in 1842 in Paris, he championed the musicality of language and explored the hidden connections between words and meanings. His major works include the poem 'L'après-midi d'un faune' and the experimental project 'Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard'. Mallarmé's literary salons attracted many avant-garde artists and writers, fostering discussions that shaped modern poetry. His emphasis on suggestion over direct statement laid the groundwork for later modernist and surrealist movements.

Born in 1884 in London, Cronin moved to Australia in his youth and found his voice in journalism. He founded the Short Story Club and co-founded the Society of Australian Authors to support local writers. Cronin authored over 20 novels spanning mystery, adventure, and historical fiction. His travel writings captured the Australian landscape and its cultural diversity. He is remembered for championing Australian literature and nurturing emerging authors.

Born in Paris in 1890, Decoin started as a sports journalist before entering cinema. He directed over 50 films from the 1930s to the 1960s, blending genre innovation with elegant visuals. His notable works include 'L'homme du jour' and the film noir classic 'La Marie du port'. As a screenwriter, he often adapted popular novels, collaborating with leading actors of the era. Decoin's contributions helped shape French cinema's golden age.

Wilfred Owen was born in Oswestry, Shropshire, in 1893. He served as a second lieutenant in the British Army during World War I. His experiences in the trenches inspired his poetry, which vividly depicted the brutality of combat. Owen's most celebrated work, 'Dulce et Decorum Est', brought to light the true costs of war. He was killed in action one week before the armistice in November 1918, at the age of 25. His poems remain among the most powerful war literature in English.

Manly Palmer Hall was born in 1901 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He became fascinated with mysticism and comparative religion in his youth and moved to the United States in the 1920s. Hall authored over 150 books and essays, the most famous being 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages' (1928). He founded the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles to promote the study of philosophy, religion, and psychology. Throughout his life, Hall lectured extensively, delivering thousands of lectures worldwide. He passed away in 1990, leaving behind a rich body of esoteric and philosophical literature.

Srečko Kosovel was born in 1904 in Sežana, then part of Austria-Hungary (now Slovenia). He emerged as a leading figure in Slovene expressionism and constructivism during the 1920s. Kosovel's poetry is noted for its experimental form, social engagement, and national identity themes. Despite a brief career cut short by his death at age 22 in 1926, he left hundreds of poems and essays. His collected works, published posthumously, cemented his reputation as a pioneer of Slovene avant-garde literature. Kosovel remains a cultural icon in Slovenia, celebrated for his innovative spirit.